Illinois officials will crack down on holiday shoppers who illegally park in spaces reserved for the disabled.

Secretary of State Jesse White says he's directed police in his office to begin patrols of retail center parking lots beginning Friday - the ceremonial first day of the holiday shopping season.

Police will focus on Woodfield Mall in Schaumburg along with shopping malls in Rockford, Springfield and Marion on Friday. Enforcement will continue in parking lots across the state through the holiday season.

White says his goal is not to ticket shoppers but to ensure spaces are available for those who need them.

He says his message is, "If you don't belong there, don't park there."

Such illegal parking carries a fine of as much as $350.